US fifth-gen F-35 makes first India landing

Two US Air Force USAF) F-35 fighters arguably the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter landed at the Yelahanka air force base and parked without fanfare in the static display area, sending spectators at the Aero India 2023 exposition outside Bengaluru into a selfie-clicking frenzy.

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There had been rumours before Aero India 2023 that an F-35 might overfly the air show as a gesture of solidarity and support from the US military. But the landing by two F-35s and a crisp statement from the US government came as a surprise to most. The USAF’s newest fifth-generation fighters the stealthy, supersonic, multirole F-35A Lightning II and F-35A Joint Strike Fighter will make their debut at Aero India 2023,” said an official announcement from the US Consulate General in Chennai.

“After a journey from Hill Air Force Base in Utah, United States, the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team will impress crowds with a demo of its unique aerial capabilities. The F-35A Lightning II from Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska will be on static display,” it said.